Hedgehog.INK Holds Poetry Contest

First Ever Poetry Contest during the month of April

Pick up an entry form at the store beginning April 1, 2019

Form: Your choice of the poetry form you would like to use. Limit length to no more than one page per poem.

Age Groups: 12 and under

13-20

21-64

Super Citizens 65+

Prizes: Prizes will be awarded in each age group.

1st place – $25

2nd place – $15

3rd place – $10

Entry: Entry fee is $5. An entry may include up to 3 poems. One entry per person, fee to be submitted with the application form.

Deadline: All entries must be delivered or mailed to Hedgehog.INK! 16 S Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701 by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2019.

Guidelines:

  • Entries need to be typewritten if at all possible. (Neat hand-written manuscripts will be accepted.)
  • The attached form will serve as your entry. Include your name, grade, address, email or phone number and the title of each poem submitted.
  • Each poem should include a title and be submitted on a separate page. No other information should be included. A number will be assigned to each participant at the time of submission.
  • Remember, do not include your name on your poem.

A poetry contest reception will be held

May 7 at 6:00 p.m. at the store

Winners will be announced at this time

Light refreshments will be served

Hedgehog.INK!

Poetry Contest

Entry Form

Deadline – 5:00 pm. April 30, 2019

Name: ______________________________________ Date: _______________________

Check age group: _____Under 12 _____12-20 _____21-64 _____Super Citizens 65+

Address: ______________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________

Email: __________________________________ Assigned #: _____________________________

Title of each Poem: (Remember each poem needs to be on a separate page.) – Limit of 3 poems

Please deliver or mail your submission and entry fee to: Hedgehog.INK!

16 S. Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Questions: Call 620-670-2672

Fort Scott Land Bank Meets April 2

There will be a meeting of the Fort Scott Land Bank held on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. This meeting will be held to review possible properties for the Land Bank. There will be a majority of the City Commissioners present, but no City Commission business will be conducted. This meeting will begin at City Hall and then the Board will get on the trolley to view some of the properties on the tax sale list.

Minutes of Fort Scott Commission March 19

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of March 19, 2019 Regular Meeting #5

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 19th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Mitchell, and Nichols were present with Mayor Parker presiding.

INVOCATION: Pastor James Collins, First Southern Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Michael Mix, Paul Ballou, Robert Uhler, Dave Bruner, Chad Brown, Rachel Pruitt, Brian Allen, Deb McCoy, Diana Morriss, Bobby Duncan, Dale Bollinger, Charyl Deloney, Drew Sebelius, James Collins, Amanda Collins, John Paul, Bert Lewis, Billy Keith, Greg Post, Deb Needleman, Bobbi Kemna, Jeff Fischer, Larry Gazaway, Heather Ethridge, Heather Herring, June Bloomfield, Josh Jones, Patrick Wood, Seth Simpson, Sandra Areu, George S. Areu, Kevin Allen, Kay Lindsay, Max Fanning, Darren Crays, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 5th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1234-A totaling $340,436.50.

Mitchell moved the Consent Agenda. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Bert Lewis – 2019 Prom – Street Closing and Parking Lot Request- April 13, 2019 – Ms. Lewis appeared before the Commission to request to close West Oak Street from Judson to National for Prom Walk-In. She also requested the parking lot across to the east for valet parking. Prom will be held this year at the River Room on April 13th, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to midnight.

City Manager said that Public Works, Police and Fire will work with them on the closure of the streets.

Adamson moved to approve to close West Oak Street from Judson to National and to use the parking lot to the east for Prom Walk-in which will be held at the River Room on April 13th, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to midnight. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

approveD to close West Oak Street from Judson to National and to use the parking lot to the east for Prom Walk-in which will be held at the River Room on April 13th, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to midnight.

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) –

Deb McCoy – Ms. McCoy read from a prepared statement and said that she was representing a group of concerned citizens regarding the purchase of fire equipment per the notice that was placed in the Tribune recently. She said they have attempted to get a petition together, but it has been a challenging process and their time is running out. She said she has concerns about the City’s need for two fire trucks. There are numerous entities that depend on bond money and each of these entities need to be cognitive of the other so we don’t end up a community in financial distress. She asked if the purchase of two fire trucks would be cost effective in the long run. She said that the Commissioners were voted for to be stewards of our community. As a steward you should consider 1) Who owns it; 2) How much is enough; and 3) Do we really need it? She asked why money wasn’t put aside by the Fire Department for equipment needs when they knew 10 years ago that new equipment would be needed. She said, per history, there was a ½ cent sales tax that went into a fund that was shared by the Police and Fire Department for equipment needs. This fund disappeared several years ago. Since then there has been no budget in place to meet the needs to purchase new equipment. She said that in the past the purchase of fire truck equipment was staggered every seven years. To avoid the need to replace two trucks at once, the following recommendations to get back on the seven year rotation is as follows:

Purchase a 2019 E2 Pumper Truck replacing the current 1992 Pumper

Maintain the 2012 E3 Freightliner.

Purchase a 2006 L1 Ladder Truck to replace the 1993 Ladder Truck.

1997 E1 would be replaced in the year 2026.

This proposal would save the City $1,000,000.

Diana Morriss – Diana Morriss continued reading Deb McCoy’s prepared statement. She said that they are not opposed to paying for equipment that is needed. She stated they are concerned with the type of truck chosen with the 100’ ladder. Is this increased cost justified when meeting the needs of our community? We have had a 75’ ladder truck for the past 65 years and two of the largest occupied buildings in our city have been torn down. This truck would be 7’ longer than our current truck. Would this truck be able to navigate all the corners and narrow streets of the city? She asked if the amount of insurance to be paid on these new trucks was considered. How many other options were actually obtained and were other companies contacted. Is there room to house the requested aerial? Have you spoke with other communities that have purchased the type of truck you are looking at? If you have, you would learn that they have had problems with the truck. She said that there is another part of the equation when providing the services from the Fire Department. We need to provide decent wages for them. Their salaries should reflect those responsibilities and should be compensated appropriately. The last full time firefighter was hired for $8.65 per hour. This is not something our community should be proud of. Chanute hires their firefighters at a starting wage of $13.17 per hour.

Bobby Duncan – Mr. Duncan continued reading from Ms. McCoy’s prepared statement. He said that we need equipment but the spending of approximately $2,000,000 is not acceptable. He said that we need to budget for future needs of the Fire Department and they would like you to return the ½ cent fund that was created for the Fire and Police Department. We need to create a budget to go towards the wages of those who protect our community. He said that they appreciate these people who put their lives on the line in protecting the citizens of this community and thanked them for their service. He said that a protest petition has three possible results: 1) An election is held with a majority of voters voting against the proposed action by the governing body; thus the governing body may not proceed further; 2) An election is held with a majority of voters voting in favor of the proposed action by the governing body, thus the governing body may proceed as planned. 3) The governing body may abandon its ordinance/resolution recognizing there is a strong voter sentiment against the planned course of action and a special election would not be required that would cost the taxpayers money.

Mayor Parker thanked them for their comments.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Bartelsmeyer moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:17 P.M.

6:00 p.m. Budget Amendment Public Hearing – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that the budget amendment hearing was posted in the local newspaper. This budget amendment for the Bourbon County EMS was given great detail. The City will operate the ambulance, the County will bill the insurance and receive the revenue and then reimburse the City. The amount of this budget is $1,004,242. The majority of this budget is wages, taxes and benefits. She asked for approval to create the new EMS fund and adopt this budget.

A lady in the audience asked if the hospital was going to be demolished in two years, why we were doing this. It is going to be destroyed.

Dave Martin, City Manager, said that CHC and Via Christi are providing health care here now. We will have medical care here. It may not look like it is now. CHC and Via Christi see opportunities in Bourbon County. The County is responsible for emergency services. Even if the hospital is gone, the County would have to provide emergency services somewhere. With the City and County handling these services, it would be cheaper than getting an outside source to handle this service.

A man asked what the County was paying Mercy for the ambulance service.

Jeff Fischer, County Commissioner, said about $340,000. They looked at Linn County and Allen County before taking this over. Allen County had the better model and that is what this agreement was modeled after. We will know more in a year. The hospital was very instrumental in helping set this up with the ambulance facility and the equipment. The County is responsible for the financial side and the City is responsible for the operating side.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to create the new EMS fund and adopt the EMS budget of $1,004,242. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CREATE THE NEW EMS FUND AND ADOPT THE EMS BUDGET OF $1,004,242.

Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:32 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the 1st floor at the property at 18-20-22 South Main Street – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission this is the sister development to Fort Scott Lofts called the Union Lofts. This is located in the Central Business District and is a $5,500,000 project. There was some delay in this as they were waiting on approval of plans from the federal government due to the government shutdown. This is coming before them to approve a Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the first floor. The developer does not want to install an elevator in this building so he must have two ADA units on the first floor. There will be a one bedroom and a two bedroom unit on the first floor. She shared photos of the layout of the complex. Also, on the first floor, is an exercise room, computer/lab room, an office area and the two apartments. The Planning Commission did meet on this on February 25th, 2019. Their main concern was the unit that would front on Main Street. There are 27 units. The Planning Commission voted in favor of this with the stipulation that there is restricted visibility into the units on Main Street. The City and property owner will control the visibility so people cannot see into this unit when walking down Main Street. They are having deeds signed for the Stout building and demolition will begin after these are filed.

Commissioner Adamson asked what made him change his plans from having retail on the first floor.

Rachel said that the cost of the elevator and the investor lease holder. They can make more money back having the apartment units.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer said that she was disappointed that there will not be business retail located on the first floor.

Commissioner Adamson agreed and said we need to keep the integrity of Main Street.

City Manager said that we need to be able to control these zoning issues on a case by case issue. We don’t want to close the door on someone who wants to save a downtown building.

Rachel said that part of this development and the incentives he is receiving as part of state and federal levels, require him to maintain ownership for 30 years. The changes to the building will go before the Design Review Board also which will ultimately come back before them for final approval.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer said that she will vote in favor but she asked that we look closely at this in the future. We need to get stricter on this in the future.

Commissioner Mitchell said that she feels the same way. It is important to save the buildings but we have those ordinances in place to follow.

Commissioner Nichols mentioned going back to the Planning Commission and saying that first floor living is not the issue, but the fronting of Main Street.

Rhonda said that she would send the zoning ordinance for the Central Business District to the Commissioners.

Parker moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the first floor with the stipulation that there is restricted visibility into the living area at 18-20-22 South Main. Nichols seconded. Bartelsmeyer, Mitchell, Nichols and Parker voted aye. Adamson voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved the Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the first floor with the stipulation that there is restricted visibility into the living area at 18-20-22 South Main.

  1. Consideration of Engineering Firm to conduct energy audit – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the City reviewed Request for Qualifications for energy firms. The review team was comprised of Dr. Nichols, Robert Uhler, Kenneth Rood, Rhonda Dunn, and himself. This team recommended Snider Electric. The preliminary audit revealed that 81% of our energy use is found in water and wastewater. They were recommended to help assist with the water and wastewater energy loss. He asked for approval to enter into an agreement with Snider Electric to look at our facilities.

City Manager said that it is not costing anything for this investment grade audit.

Mitchell moved to approve Snider Electric and enter into an agreement with them to provide an energy audit for the City. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED SNIDER ELECTRIC AND TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THEM TO PROVIDE AN ENERGY AUDIT.

  1. Request of installation of street light at 1st & Goodlander – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that a citizen requested a street light be installed at 1st & Goodlander. This area is very dark and she said they had some issues with people walking in that area.

Mayor Parker said that she knows how dark it is in that area and a light is needed.

Parker moved to approve to install a street light at 1st and Goodlander. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO INSTALL A STREET LIGHT AT 1ST AND GOODLANDER.

  1. Consideration of amendment of Cereal Malt Beverage Ordinance to change from 3.2 to 6.0 – The Mayor asked that this be tabled at this time.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Health Care Update – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that he wanted to clarify that his understanding is that there has been no commitment from Mercy as to what to do with the building after two years. His understanding was that they would have to pay taxes after that time frame. The Task Force has had good dialog with CHC and Via Christi and they are great partners. Both providers want to provide health care here whether it is in that facility or not. The City has to work with both of those entities to assist them. He had a phone conference with Via Christi today.

A lady in the audience said that she was told today at CHC that the building can’t be a medical facility and will have to be refurbished.

EMS Update – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Chief, informed the Commission that the building is coming along very good. The sheet rock is moving along and in the next two weeks it should be complete. Christi Keating is the current EMS Director. She has decided not to continue in this position. Interviews will be done next week for the EMS Director.

Commissioner Adamson asked if all firefighters are EMS certified?

Dave said yes they are. They have EMS, four advanced EMT’s and one paramedic.

Legislative Update – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission about their trip to Washington, D.C. with Waggoner Associates. They had a great meeting with Senator Roberts and his staff. They also met with Representative Steve Watkins. His first piece of legislation was for the National Historic Fort and it was signed by President Trump. His State update in Topeka has been slow. There were 634 bills introduced with 109 worked. Eight bills have passed both houses with five sent to the Governor. She has only signed two bills into law. He said he continues to work with the County Commissions to partner together to help lower taxes.

Economic Development – Rachel said that she wanted to remind them of the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, March 20th at 5:30 p.m. for Gordman’s. She also handed out an updated community profile.

Fire Truck PurchaseRachel Pruitt informed the Commission that changes were made to the low to moderate income levels set by H.U.D. which only change every 10 years when the census occurs. The City is now eligible to apply for a Community Facilities Grant. There will be money available in 2020. They believe they have a good chance to receive some of this grant money. This grant falls under the Community Development Block Grant. In order to apply, you have to have under a 50% low to moderate income. They believe it is best to wait to purchase the ladder truck until after these grants are awarded. Your City has to have a low to moderate income of 50% or more. They do think this will be a competitive grant. She will start to begin working on this application which is due in the fall.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer said that she worked at the college for many years on grants. The state and federal government set aside funds to award to students, non-profits, cities. If you don’t spend that money, you have to send it back. They don’t want the money back. If Fort Scott doesn’t spend it, another city will.

Susan Galemore, with Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, is assisting with the grant submission.

Fire Truck DiscussionRhonda Dunn addressed the Commission and audience and shared some handouts with them. She gave them a spreadsheet on the City of Fort Scott debt payment reduction over the next few years. The next spreadsheet was on Sales Tax History from 2012 to 2018. The last spreadsheet was a Southeast Kansas City Tax Rate Data Comparison with 5 cities in Southeast Kansas. This was sorted by population, total indebtedness, assessed valuation, and mill levy.

  1. City Commission:

Bartelsmeyer Thanked the audience for their participation tonight. She reminded them that all the decisions they make are for the whole city and not just a few people

Adamson – Remarked that it was good to see a good audience in attendance this evening.

Nichols Said that it was a good meeting with good interaction.

Mitchell Thanked all for attending.

Parker – Remarked that they are all citizens and taxpayers just like the audience in attendance. The County Commissioners receive a salary and insurance and the City Commissioners volunteer their time with no salary. They all do this job because they love Fort Scott. She said that she appreciated the audience in attendance tonight also.

C. City Attorney: Not present.

  1. City Manager:

  1. K.W. Cattle Sale – Dave said that he attended the 5th annual cattle sale. There were a large number of people that came in for the bull sale. One of the bulls brought $16,000. It was an impressive sale.

  1. Street Closure – Dave asked for permission to close the alley at 1st Street to National on the north side starting immediately. This is for the demolition of the Stout building.

Rachel said that the City is waiting on final approval from K.D.H.E.

Parker moved to close the alley at 1st Street to National on the north side starting immediately for the demolition of the Stout building. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

Approved to close the alley at 1st Street to National on the north side starting immediately for the demolition of the Stout building.

  1. City Attorney – City Manager said that there will be a notice going out next week for a part time City Attorney and a part time Prosecuting Attorney. This will not be a full time position and will be separated.

  1. City Manager thanked the audience in attendance tonight and for their participation.

Bobby Duncan asked if he could ask another question. He said he had reviewed the previous Director of Finance’s projected budget. It is different from what Rhonda Dunn has reported.

City Manager said that we are looking at actual numbers and not projected numbers.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:34 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on April 2nd, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Agenda For Fort Scott Commission April 2

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

APRIL 2, 2019

6:00 p.m.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE:

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Norman Tillotson, First Baptist Church

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Fair Housing Month Proclamation

National Safe Digging Month Proclamation

National Service Recognition Day Proclamation – April 2, 2019

National Library Week Proclamation – April 7-13, 2019

National Library Workers Day Proclamation – April 9th, 2019

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 19th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1235-A totaling $373,328.77.

  1. Cereal Malt Beverage License – Hilltop Bait Shop – 2015 E. 1st Street

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Christa Horn – C.A.S.A. Funding Request

Rhonda Dunn – Requests for closure of streets for Good Ol’ Days event: May 31st & June 1st, 2019

Old Fort Blvd. from Wall Street to National Avenue

     Main Street from Skubitz Plaza to Third Street

     Scott Street from Wall Street to Second Street

     Wall Street from National to Scott

     First Street from National to Scott Street

     Second Street from National to Scott Street

     Use of Memorial Hall for Baby Contest and Talent Extravaganza and Concert on Friday and Saturday nights

     Heritage Park at corner of First and Main

     Parking lot behind Heritage Park

     Parking lot at corner of Third and Main – Close on Tuesday, May 28th for Carnival setup

     Parking lot at Second and Scott

     Parking lot at Wall and Scott

     Parking lot at Wall and alley between Main and Scott

     Parking lot between Memorial Hall and the Library

  Main Street – 2nd to 3rd – Beginning Friday at 8:00 a.m.

     Skubitz Plaza – Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Clark Street – Wall Street to 3rd Street – Beginning at 7:00 a.m. Saturday

Hill Street – North of Wall Street – Beginning at 7:00 a.m. Saturday

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: None

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration to solicit bids for River Intake Project

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:

Fire Truck Update

EMS Update

  1. Commission:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Kansas Officials Urge Drivers to Avoid Distracted Driving

 

Texting, other distractions have led to thousands of crashes in Kansas

 

TOPEKA, Kan. — In 2017, 28 percent of all traffic crashes in Kansas were attributed to driver inattention or distractions. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and law enforcement agencies across the state are working to educate drivers of the dangers of driving while distracted. Kansans will see a multi-media campaign running to support these efforts.

 

While distracted driving is most often associated with cell phone use, many other situations can cause distractions in the car. Interacting with children, eating food, using other electronic devices, and even things happening outside the vehicle contributed to more than 16,000 distracted driving crashes in Kansas in 2017.

 

“Taking your eyes off the road to send a text is like driving blindfolded down a football field,” said Chris Bortz, Traffic Safety Program Manager for KDOT. “You wouldn’t risk driving blindfolded, yet we see people on their phones or eating or putting on makeup every day on our roads.”

 

Many people may not know that distracted driving can be a ticketable offense in Kansas. For example, any texting, social media or internet activity on your phone can lead to a minimum $60 ticket plus court costs. However, the worst result of distracted driving would be to cause an injury or death.

 

“We are facing an epidemic. Too many people are injured or killed due to inattention on our roads. Distracted driving crashes are 100 percent preventable,” said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Protecting yourself, your passengers and other Kansans is as simple as putting the phone down and avoiding all other distractions in the car.”

 

Law enforcement officers also encourage Kansans to “just drive” when they are behind the wheel. If your attention is anywhere other than the road, you’re driving distracted, and you’re driving dangerous. Drivers can minimize distractions by turning off electronic devices and keeping both eyes on the road ahead at all times. They also encourage passengers to hold their driver accountable and to not be a distraction themselves.

 

Hedgehog.INK Happenings For April

April 1, 2019

Dont be a fool.

Do be cool!

Kick off National

Poetry Month,

Stop by the bookstore to pick up an entry for the

Hedgehog poetry contest.

(National poetry month takes place each April and was introduced in 1996. Learn more by going to Poets.org)

***********

April 4 1:00 p.m.

Author Talk and Book Signing

Learn more about Sally and her different styles of writing (including poetry).

**********

April 13, 2019

Second Saturday Storytime

10:30 a.m.

With FSCC students

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April 13, 2019

Author Talk and Book Signing

Pastor George Proctor

You read his column every Saturday in the Fort Scott Tribune.

See him in person at

Hedgehog.INK! on Saturday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m.

A community of books for the community

April 18, 2019

Pocket Poem Day

Bring a poem in your pocket and share

with Hedgehog.INK! It can be an original or one you have always loved.

(We will post the poems in our window. Must be suitable for all ages.)

25% off Poetry, Classics and Literature – all day

April 27-28

Civil War Weekend at Fort Scott National Historic Site

Check out our Civil War section with a number of recently added books.

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April 30

Poetry contest entries due by 5:00 p.m.

***********

May 7 6:00

Poetry Contest Reception

Winners Announced

Light Refreshments served

What’s Happening in Fort Scott By the Chamber of Commerce

Care to Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) will be hosting the 5th Annual “TaTa” Ride on June 15th, 2019 and an “AR-15 Gun Raffle”. Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale now! ATF Regulations apply. Contact Stacey Wright for tickets or more info. (See flyer below)
2019 Spring Job Fair, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce – Employers are hiring! Full-Time & Part-Time positions are available

Tues., April 2nd, from 10am-2pm at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Employers may contact the Chamber to reserve a booth at 620-223-3566.

Employment candidates should be ready, bring resumes, and dress for success

Hedgehog.INK now has gardening books on the sale rack in the front of the store – These books are FREE, for a donation to Tri-Valley Horticulture Therapy Program (see flyer below for more info)

29-30
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
29
Aggie Days 2019 hosted by Fort Scott Community College – 2108 S. Horton, all day

Fort Scott Community College welcomes more than 1600 high school students from surrounding areas for AGGIE DAYS!

Students will compete for awards in 12 categories: Agronomy, Entomology, Farm Management, Floriculture, Food Science, Livestock Judging, Meat Evaluation, Milk Quality and Products, Nursery Landscape, Poultry, Speech, and Veterinary Science (See flyer below for more info)
29 Lenten Fish Fry hosted by Knights of Columbus – Kennedy Gym behind Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook

Each Friday from March 8th through April 12th. Doors open at 5pm and we serve until 7pm. Menu includes southern fried catfish, baked white fish, spaghetti, green beans, coleslaw, baked potatoes and french fries, grilled cheese for the kids. Free-will donation or $5 for
take-out box

30 Bi-Annual Gardener’s Christmas Auction at
Tri-Valley Developmental Services – 4305 Campbell Dr. (in the Industrial Park), 9:30am

Join the fun at Tri-Valley Developmental Services’ Bi-Annual Gardeners’ Christmas Auction, which will feature a silent auction and plant sale. Annuals, garden tools, silk bouquets, and home/garden items will be available. Doors open at 9:30am, auction from 10am-noon

Free gift for each guest!!  (See flyer below for more info)

30 Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County Annual Meeting – Old Congregational Church, 502 S. National Ave., 6-8pm

The meeting will feature special guest, Bat Masterson impersonator Jerry Eastman

31
4H Expo Day at Tractor Supply Co. – 2420 S. Main St., 3-5pm

The public is invited out to Tractor Supply Co., where local 4H’ers will be sharing their projects with the community

Apr. 2-3 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,  201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
2 Fort Scott Middle School Pizza Hut Nights Fundraiser – Fort Scott Pizza Hut, 1810 S. Main

The middle school fundraiser is always the 1st Tuesday of each month that school is in session. Please plan to eat at Pizza Hut sometime that day and use the FSMS voucher

2 Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet hosted by the Chamber of Commerce – at City State Bank, 202 Scott Ave., 8am

The Chamber of Commerce hosts Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets at a different location for Downtown business owners or representatives, or anyone in the community with an interest in Downtown to attend and share thoughts and ideas related to Downtown, and to stay current on new happenings

2 Job Fair Spring 2019 hosted by the Chamber of Commerce – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2018 S. Horton, 10am-2pm

Job seekers are encouraged to dress for success, bring copies of a resume, and be prepared to connect with employers. Attendees may enter a drawing for a door prize of $50 in Chamber Bucks that may be used at over 50 Chamber member businesses

KANSASWORKS will have a booth on employer and job seeker resources and Fort Scott Community College Phi Theta Kappa will be offering soft skills tips on interviewing, resume writing, and more

Employers may reserve a booth by calling the Chamber: 620-223-3566  (See flyer below for more info)

2 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
2 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
2 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info

2 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main, 6-7pm
3 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,
308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
3 Monthly Grief Support Luncheon hosted by Cheney Witt Chapel – All are welcome! – At the Carriage House, 301 S. Main, 12-1pm

A Grief Support Luncheon is hosted by Cheney Witt Chapel the first Wednesday of each month at noon. Anyone dealing with a loss is encouraged to come and bring a friend

Cheney Witt Chapel will provide lunch at the Carriage House. Call 620-223-1186 for more info

3 Bourbon County Coalition Monthly Meeting – Public Welcome! – In the basement of the First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Ave., 12pm-1pm
3
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
3
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
4
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by KOMB FM Home Show
Location: FSCC Arnold Arena, 2108 S. Horton
4 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm
4 Author Talk and Book Signing at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main, 1pm

Meet and greet author Sally Freeman Jadlow. There will be an author talk, Q & A and booksigning. Her book will be available for purchase in the bookstore. Light refreshments will be served

4 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info

4 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize

5-6
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
5-6 KOMB 103.9 FM Home, Sport, Farm & Garden Show – Arnold Arena on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton St.

Friday: 5-8pm; Saturday: 9am-3pm (See flyer below)

5 YPL First Friday Luncheon (Young Professionals League of Bourbon County) – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 12-1pm

Join us for the YPL First Friday Luncheon, open to YPL members or anyone interested in the organization

5 Lenten Fish Fry hosted by Knights of Columbus – Kennedy Gym behind Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook

Each Friday from March 8th through April 12th. Doors open at 5pm and we serve until 7pm. Menu includes southern fried catfish, baked white fish, spaghetti, green beans, coleslaw, baked potatoes and french fries, grilled cheese for the kids. Free-will donation or $5 for
take-out box

6
FREE Spring Kids’ Fair, hosted by Fort Scott Community College – 2108 S. Horton, on the south side of Bailey Hall, 9am-12pm

The event will feature a variety of activities for children of all ages, including a bounce house, first responders, a teddy bear clinic (bring your bears!), games, prizes and more (see flyer below for more info)

9-10 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,  201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
9 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
9 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
9 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info

9 USD 234 Board of Education Meeting – Board of Education, 424 S. Main St., 5:30-6:30pm
9 2019 Friends Fest, sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, honoring historian Arnold Schofield – Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St., 6:30-9:00pm

Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 6:30pm. Hearty appetizers will be served prior to the show

Tickets are $20 for Friends members, $25 for non-Friends members. On sale now at the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.

9 Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County Meeting – Old Congregational Church, 502 S. National Ave.

Board meeting at 6:30pm, program at 7pm. We will have great fellowship, refreshments, and a door prize – hope you can attend!

10 Breakfast Bingo at Buck Run Community Center, 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am

Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run. Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and the coffee. Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission

10 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,
308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
10 A Family Affair: a discussion for parents and grandparents about how to support children as they interact with people close to them with Alzheimer’s – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 12:30-1:30pm

This Remote Learning Series is bringing education to the community and providing the opportunity to attend a session close to home. Call 800-272-3900 to register for any session (see flyer below for more info)

10
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
10
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
11
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Fort Scott Christian Heights High School
Location: 1101 S. Barbee St.
11 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm
11 Kids in the Kitchen, hosted by K-State Research and Extension – First Church of God, 1115 E. Wall St., 4-5:30pm

K-State is offering a FREE Kids in the Kitchen class for 4th-6th grade students. The class will be held each Thursday through May 2nd. Students will learn kitchen safety and how to prepare health and inexpensive snacks. For more information, please contact Malynda Payne 620-768-9459

11 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info

11 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize

Save the Date:
– April 12 – Lenten Fish Fry
– April 13 – Easter Egg Hunt @ Gunn Park
– April 13 – Crafts for Kids @ BRCC
– April 13 – Wreath Ruck 5K/1Mile Walk
– April 13 – Author Talk @ Hedgehog.INK
– April 14 – Team Trivia at Boiler Room Brewhaus
– April 15 – FSHS Prom at the River Room
Click here for full events listing on our website.
In This Issue
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Chamber Highlights
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
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Click HERE for a digital copy of the
2019 Fort Scott Area Community Guide & Chamber Membership Directory.

 

The Fort Scott National Historic Site 2019 Schedule of Activities.

Click HERE for details.

Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

4-Wheeling, Biking, Hiking

2019 Schedule of events.

Click HERE for details.

Bike Share Program

Bike Share Program is now
available to the public!
Click here to view more detail about this amazing program and
for additional information on our website click here!

CHAMBER COFFEE
UPCOMING INFORMATION
 
 Chamber Coffee 

Thursday, April 4, 2019
8:00 am
This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
KOMB 103.9 FM Home Show
Location: Arnold Arena, located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton
Visit the KOMB 103.9 FM website by clicking here.
Upcoming Coffees:
April 11 – Fort Scott Christian Heights
April 18 – Presbyterian Village
April 25 – Peerless Products
May 2 – National Day of Prayer Breakfast (Pioneer Kiwanis and Cheney Witt)

Female Self Defense Class Coming To Fort Scott

Kim Schwab, Roger Kemp, and Bill Martin visit with Jacqui Spradling following the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee Thursday.

The tragic murder of his daughter spurred Roger Kemp and his wife to action.

Ali Kemp was 19 years old in 2004 when she was raped and murdered in Leawood, a Kansas City suburb.

“That’s why we do this program,” Kemp said. “We don’t want it to happen to anybody else.”

The Kemps helped  facilitate the creation of a  self-defense program for females from middle-school age to “a 90-year-old grandmother,” he said.

The Ali Kemp Education Foundation, T.A.K.E., is coming to Fort Scott Middle School on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Jill and Bob Leiker are the chief instructors for the class.

“Bob was formerly in law enforcement,” Kemp said. “Bob has been into prisons and interviewed several predators to find out what they look for.”

Since its inception, the T.A.K.E. program has seen 68,000 people go through the self-defense class nationwide, Kemp said.

Kim Schwab, an administrative assistant at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, is currently taking registrations for the class.

She can be reached at the jail by calling 620-223-1440 or stopping by the center, located at 293 E. 20th in Fort Scott, for an application. Alternatively, one can access the application on the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center Facebook page.

“Sheriff Bill Martin directed me to the T.A.K.E. class,” Schwab said. “It is one-hour of education and the second-hour to learn the moves you need to get away (from an attacker).”

A donation of $12 is requested, but not required.

Sponsors for the class are being sought by the Sheriff’s office.

 

 

 

Prostitution by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche

According to my husband, sometimes my instincts lean too much toward drama and not enough on common sense. Last month, his theory was validated. After sitting through a two-day seminar on sex-trafficking offered at our Jupiter, Florida, church, it was apparent that without this education, my impulse to save someone in danger probably would get me tortured.

For example, one video we watched—filmed late at night by a New York, undercover cop–showed a street prostitute angrily confronting her pimp. With arms flailing, she held nothing back and turned to storm off, her pimp not far behind. Suddenly a group of five men sprinted towards her. Yea, I silently cheered. You, Mr. Pimp, are going DOWN!

Not even close. The quintet quickly joined her pimp, encircled her, and, instead of protecting her, began threatening her. At that point in the video, I knew what I would have done. I would have stormed into the middle of the gang, ripped the men’s heads off, buried their bodies in shallow graves in the woods, grabbed the girl and taken her to my home.

That’s what Dave means about me lacking common sense.

The prostitute, now cowering and covering her eyes, immediately lost confidence and gave up. I about came out of my chair, just watching the video. Our leader asked what we saw. One of the police officers in our group responded that he noticed two of the pimps carrying guns (something I failed to see). A psychologist answered that the reason the girl covered her eyes was because of a hidden rule among pimps: if a prostitute makes any eye contact with another pimp other than hers, her pimp will beat her up. A social worker shared that there is an unwritten code among pimps: they defend each other against the prostitute as a way of showing their girls what will happen to them, should they choose to defy orders.

Oh my gosh! No one came to her aid. The poor girl was trapped. Defenseless. What led her into such a position? Statistics say that between 80-90% of all prostitutes were sexually molested as children. Was she one?

This disgraced girl, emboldened for a few minutes, now felt worthless. What horrible fate awaited her later that night? We trainees then were warned that the next photo was not for the faint of heart. We cringed when we saw a picture of a prostitute in her hospital room, the apparent target of either her pimp or her john (the man who solicits a prostitute).

Ironically, the first day of our seminar, the news broke about the prostitution/sex-trafficking sting here in Jupiter. Ten spas were involved and 300 arrest warrants were issued. You probably heard about it, as an NFL owner and company CEO’s were among dozens being served arrest warrants for their participation. Although soliciting a prostitute is only a misdemeanor, local sheriff William Snyder said he believes women in the spas were supplied by human traffickers with ties to China and New York. Numerous services (including our church) now will spring into action to help rescue, restore and reform these women.

As I shared with Dave what I learned at the seminar, how I now grieve for instead of judge these prostitutes, our discussion soon turned to how God must view the pimps and the sexual deviants who promote such evil practices. What happened in their lives that they view women with such disgust? And then it dawned on me: They too need to be told about Jesus. Did I have the same empathy for them?

No, I did not. Not even close. Amazingly, God does. In 2 Peter 3:9, we read, “The Lord…is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” Get that? “All.” Including these sexual deviant thugs.

Obviously, there are many spiritual lessons I still need to learn.

.